Rugby Wins 3 Matches To Sweep D3 Bracket Of Falmouth Tourney

By Peter Lamb TEAM MEMBER

This past Saturday, the MIT Men’s Rugby Team returned victorious from the 3rd Annual South Shore Anchors Round Robin in Falmouth, MA.

There were two divisions of play in the tournament: the D2 bracket consisting of Old Gold, which MIT will play on May 6, the South Shore Anchors, which MIT lost to earlier this season, Charles River, and the Middlesex Barbarians; and the D3 bracket consisting of MIT, the Boston Ironsides, whom MIT beat last weekend, New London County, and Mount Washington Valley. Teams played a total of three games, each consisting of twenty-minute halves and a short halftime.

MIT’s first game was at 10:30 am against the Boston Ironsides. From the start of the match it was clear that Tech Rugby had both offensive and defensive superiority. The forwards dominated the scrums and the rucks (struggles for the ball after a tackle or stoppage of play), generating quick and clean transfer of the ball to the backs.

The back line had its way with the opposition, continually confusing the defense, breaking tackles, and scoring at ease. By the end of the first half, the score was 20-0. The second half went similarly, and MIT continued its dominating performance, eventually winning 54-0.

At 2:15 p.m. MIT played its second game, against Mount Washington. This was the hardest game MIT played all day. Both teams started off strong, with Mount Washington opening the scoring early on with an opportunistic try. Tech Rugby’s more aggressive play and technical skill rapidly turned the game into a well-deserved 27-5 victory. MIT’s only serious injury occurred during this game, when rugger Brad Lassey collided with an opponent, and got a mild concussion. Lassey was fit enough to return to watch the final game and attend the awards ceremony.

MIT’s last game was at 4:30 p.m. against New London County, who also held a 2-0 record up until this point. Therefore, the D3 tournament title was on the line. The Tech ruggers continued their dominating performance, relentlessly maintaining control of play, and winning 25-0. This was MIT’s first tournament title since the NERFU finals in 2001.

Coach Gavin Braithwaite said “Superb performances from the forward pack were assisted by great performances in the backs. Ultimately it was MIT’s more aggressive style of play, technical execution, superior fitness and team spirit that led to our success.”

Tech Rugby hopes to use the momentum when it plays Suffolk Law on Saturday at home.

Other upcoming games are: Old Gold (away) on May 6, Seacoast (away) on May 13, and the New England Rugby Championships in Newport RI on May 20 and 21.